Dragons coach Paul McGregor is no closer to deciding on who will start at halfback in Round 1, with experienced playmaker Josh McCrone (HLF, $276,000) and rookie Jai Field (HLF, $138,000) both spending time on the field in their side's Charity Shield loss to the Rabbitohs.Read more

After a strong showing in the Charity Shield from the two men in with a shot at the Souths No.9 jersey, Michael Maguire looks set to use both Robbie Farah (HOK, $435,000) and Damien Cook (HOK, $322,000), lessening the Fantasy appeal of both players. Read more

Jayden Brailey (HOK, $138,000) and Fa'amanu Brown (HLF, $149,000) shared hooking duties in Cronulla's World Club Challenge loss to Wigan. Sharks coach Shane Flanagan labelled Brailey's first run with the NRL side as "outstanding". Read more

Spots in Brisbane's pack for Round 1 are still very much up for grabs, particularly given their World Club Series loss to Warrington. Joe Ofahengaue (FRF, $236,000) was the standout from a statistical point of view (37 tackles, 115m, two offloads, four tackle breaks) in that match but Adam Blair (FRF, $313,000) and Korbin Sims (FRF, $349,000) look to be the men most likely to start in the front row against the Sharks. Read more

There was plenty of speculation over the pre-season just as to who would take Corey Parker's No.13 jersey at the Broncos but that debate has finally been put to bed, with Wayne Bennett confirming Josh McGuire (2RF/FRF, $457,000) would be in the position in the long term. McGuire made 31 tackles and 150 metres against Warrington. Read more

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (WFB, $286,000) impressed yet again as he continued his comeback from a long-term knee injury, guiding his side to a trial win over the Titans in Palmerston North. Read more

With both Matt Ballin (HOK, $241,000) and Jacob Liddle (HOK, $221,000) likely to miss Round 1 through injury Tigers coach Jason Taylor is expected to call on Matt McIlwrick (HOK, $143,000) to start the season at hooker. Read more

An injury to Cowboys winger Antonio Winterstein has opened the door for Kalyn Ponga (WFB, $148,000) to come into calculations for a wing spot in Round 1. Read more

Despite wearing the No.6 jersey Cameron Munster (WFB/HLF, $481,000) spent much of Melbourne's trial loss to Canterbury at fullback. Brodie Croft (HLF, $236,000) spent some time in the halves, with Craig Bellamy also claiming Billy Slater (WFB, $212,000) is "close" to returning. Read more

Panthers prop Sam McKendry (FRF, $283,000) is set for another long stint on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Penrith's trial win over rivals Parramatta. Read more

Will Matthews (2RF, $253,000) and the Dragons were also dealt a cruel blow on the eve of the Telstra Premiership season, with the forward taken from the field during the Charity Shield with a dislocated hip. Read more

Parramatta will start the year with Bevan French (WFB, $296,000) at fullback, Clint Gutherson (WFB/HLF, $346,000) at five-eighth and Corey Norman (HLF, $460,000) at halfback according to coach Brad Arthur. Read more